Device for applying double lip fringe to rugs



Oct- 7, 1947 .1. E. GRoNENBl-:RG 2,428,421

DEVICE FOR APPLYING DOUBLE LIP FRINGE TO HUGS Filed May 1'7, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 7, 1947. J. E. GRONENBERG DEVICE FOR APPLYING DOUBLE LIP FRINGE TO RUGS Filed May 17, 194.3I 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct 7, 1947- J. E. GRONENBERG DEVICE FOR APPLYING DOUBLE LIP FRINGE TO BUGS Filed May 17, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Oct. 7, 19474 DEVICE FOR APPLYING DOUBLE LIP FRINGE TO RUGS John E. Gronenberg, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 17, 1943, Serial No. 487,303

Claims.

The present invention relates generally to devices for use in applying fringe to the margins of rugs or other fabric structures preparatory to stitching the fringe in place. More particularly the invention relates to that type of fringe applying device which is adapted to be positioned in front of a stitching machine and to have the rug to which the fringe is to be applied move past it for fringe applying purposes, and is especially designed for use in applying fringe of the double lip variety, that is, fringe having fabric upper and lower attaching lips which are adapted to straddle the margin of the rug and have the outer edges stitched or otherwise connected together and the outer ends of the Woof or weft threads thereof extended to form fringe threads.

One object of the invention is to provide a fringe applying device of this type which is an improvement upon, and has certain advantages over, previously designed devices for the same purpose and is characterized by exceptionally high efficiency and the fact that it causes the upper and lower lips of the fringe to be applied evenly and uniformly as well as without puckering or buckling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fringe applying device comprising an elongated, hollow, wall structure which is adapted to have the fringe travel lengthwise through it, has a longitudinal, centrally disposed slot at its Outer side through which the fringe threads project and travel, and is shaped and designed to form a pair of upper and lower longitudinally extending, open ended lip-receiving channels which communicate with or open onto one another adn jacent the fringe thread receiving slot and have the front or receiving ends thereof extending substantially vertically in opposite directions from the slot so that they serve in connection with travel of the upper and lower lips therethrough to open or spread apart the lips for rug receiving purposes, and have their remaining portions curved progressively laterally outwards from front to back in order to bring the rear or discharge ends thereof into substantially overlapped or parallel relation and cause the upper and lower lips of the fringe to be folded around the rug margin as the fringe leaves the rear end of the wall structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fringe applying device of the type and character last mentioned in which the elongated wall structure embodies at the front end thereof upper and lower rollers which traverse the front or receiving ends of the upper and lower channels, re-

spectively, and are arranged and designed so that they serve during travel of the fringe through the wall structure to urge the adjacent portions of the fringe lips outwards towards the outer portions of the front ends of the channels and thus prevent such portions from wedging or jamming while at the same time causing them to feed properly towards the central portions of the channels.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fringe applying device of the aforementioned character in which the elongated wall structure is provided at the rear end thereof with upper and lower rollers which traverse the rear or discharge ends of the upper and lower channels, respectively, and are arranged and designed so that they urge the adjacent portions of the fringe lips outwards towards the adjacent margin of the rug and cause the lips to move into firm lapped or straddled relation with said adjacent rug margin as. they leave or pass from the wall structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fringe applying device of the type and character under consideration which includes simple and novel means adjacent the front end of the wall structure for partially spreading the fringe lips before they enter their respective channels .and also combing or raking the fringe threads so that they pass properly into the front end of the slot.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a double lip fringe applying device which is generally of new and improved construction and is characterized by the fact that it may be manufactured at a low and reasonable cost and is designed to accommodate and apply different forms or types of fringe such, for example, as those that vary in the thickness and widths of the lips.

I Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present fringe applying device will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals and letters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a perspective showing a fringe applying device embodying the invention in opwhile in use;

Figure 2 is a plan View of the device;

Figure 3 is an outer side view illustrating in detail the construction and arrangement f the rollers that traverse the front or receiving ends of the lip receiving channels Figure 4 is a rear view of the device showing the manner in which the discharge ends of the lip receiving channels serve to cause the lips of the fringe as they emanate from the wall structure to straddle the adjacent margin of the rug preliminary or preparatory to stitching of the fringe in place;

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 5--5 of Figure 2 and illustrating the manner in which the upper and lower rollers at the rear end of the wall structure serve to urge the lips of the fringe towards the adjacent margin of the rug directly before the lips leave the wall structure;

Figure 6 is an elevation viewed from the front end of the device and showing the fringe being guided preparatory to entering the wall structure;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line I-'I of Figure 3 and showing the construction and arrangement of the means for combing or raking the 'fringe threads prior to passage thereof into the receiving end of the longitudinal, centrally disposed slot in the outer side of the wall structure; and

Figures 8 and 9 are vertical transverse sections taken, respectively, on the lines 8-8 and 9--9 of Figure 3.

The device which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodimentJ of the invention. It is adapted for use in connection with a double needle stitching machine M and serves as a medium for applying a double lip fringe F to the marginal portions of a rug R. The stitching machine M includes a cantilever type arm m and this overlies a supporting platform P and carries at its outer end a pair of upstanding, laterally spaced stitching needles m1. These needles are adapted during operation of the stitching machine to form a pair of parallel rows or lines of stitching and serve directly after application of the fringe F t0 one margin of the rug R by the fringe applying device to stitch the fringe in place. The platform P is adapted movably to support the rug R. In connection with fringe applying and stitching operations the rug is slid across the platform in such manner that one margin is first fed past the fringe applying device and then under the needles m1 of the stitching machine M. The fringe is applied to the adjacent margin of the rug during movement or shift of the rug past the device and the needles m1 serve immediately after application of the fringe to the adjacent margin of the rug by the device to stitch the fringe in place. The rug R is adapted to be shifted past the device and the needles by way of movably mounted rack or any other suitable means (not shown). The fringe F comprises an upper lip f and a lower lip f1 and, as hereinafter described, is applied to the rug by the device in such manner that the two lips straddle the adjacent margin of the rug. The lips are formed of fabric and have the outer edges thereof secured together in any suitable manner such, for example, as by stitching. The outer ends of the woof or weft threads of the upper and lower lips f and f1 are extended and form fringe threads f2. The upper and lower lips of the fringe are the same in width from end to end. The fringe after being applied to the rug R serves to prevent the marginal portion of the rug to which it is applied from ravelling.

The improved device Ais mounted on the supporting platform P directly in front of the needles m1 of the stitching machine M. It operates automatically as described hereafter and comprises an elongated hollow wall structure I0. The latter is preferably formed of stiff or rigid sheet metal and comprises three walls II, I2 and I3. These walls, as shown in Figure 8, define an upper longitudinally extending channel I4 for the upper lip f of the fringe F and a lower longitudinally extending channel I5 for the lower fringe lip f1. The upper and lower channels are open ended and are adapted to have the upper and lower fringe lips travel longitudinally therethrough. The wall structure I0 has a centrally disposed longitudinally extending slot I6 at its outer side and this slot is adapted to receive and guide the fringe threads f2 during travel of the fringe through the wall structure. The wall II is located at the inner side of the wall structure I Il and for the most part extends vertically. The front end of the wall II is provided with an enlarged forwardly extending extension IT and deiines the inner side portions of the front or receiving ends of the channels I4 and I5. It is substantially fiat as illustrated in the drawings and is in substantially parallel relation with the line of travel of the adjacent margin of the rug R. The enlargement II extends vertically and is bent to a vslight degree in the direction of the outer side of the Iwall structure I0. The central and rear parts of the upper margin of the wall II are bent or folded in the direction of the inner side of the wall structure so as to form a triangular, twisted, upper piece I8 which is rearwardly and downwardly inclined andprogressively increases in width from the front end thereof to the rear end (see Figures 1 and 8). The central and rear parts of the lower margin of the wall I I are folded or bent in the same direction as the central and rear parts of the upper margin of said wall I I so as to form a triangular, twisted, lower piece I9. This piece I9 is rearwardly and upwardly inclined and progressively increases in width from the front end thereof to the rear end. It is substantially the same in configuration or design as the upper piece I8 and denes with the latter a for.. wardly flared pocket 20 through which the adjacent margin of the rug R passes during shift of the rug in connection with fringe applying and stitching operations. The rear ends of the tri-x angular pieces I8 and I9 are substantially parallel, as shown in Figure 8, and are spaced apart a sufficient distance to accommodate the adjacent margin of the rug. During shift of the rug the margin that is adjacent the fringe applying device first passes the at vertically extending front end of the wall II and then travels between the triangular pieces I8 and I9 (see Figures l, 4 and 5). The wall I2 is located above the wall I3 and defines with the upper portion of the wall I I, the upper channel I4 for the upper lip f of the fringe F. The front end of the wall I2 is spaced outwards from the upper portion of the front end o f the wall II and defines the outer portion of the front or receiving end of the channel I4. It is substantially flat and has the upper margin thereof joined to the adjacent upper marginal portion of the wall II by a U-shaped connecting piece 2| (see Figure 9). The central and rear Parts of the upper margin of the wall I2 are spaced above and shaped conformably to the triangular piece I8 and define with the latter the central portion and the rear or discharge end of the upper channel I4. They are twisted or curved in the same manner as the piece I8 and are connected to the latter by a U-shaped connecting piece 22 (see Figure 8). The lower margin of the wall I2 extends downwards in substantially a vertical plane and terminates adjacent the mid portion of the wall I I. The lower edge of the wall I2 is straight, as shown in Figure 3, and denes the upper portion of the fringe thread receiving slot I6. The wall I3 is located beneath the Wall I 2 and defines with the lower portion of the wall II the lower channel I5 for the lower lip f1 for the fringe F. The front end of the wall I3 is spaced outwards from the lower portion of the front end of the wall II and defines the outer portion of the front or receiving end of the channel I5. It is substantially at and has the lower margin thereof joined to the adjacent lower marginal portion of the wall II by a U-shaped connecting piece 23 (see Figure 9). The central and rear parts of the lower margin of the Wall I3 are spaced beneath and shaped conformably to the triangular piece I9 and dene with the latter the central portion and the rear or discharge end of the lower channel I5. 'I'hey are twisted or curved in the same manner as the piece I9 and are connected to the latter -by a U-shaped connecting piece 24, as best shown in Figure 8. The upper margin of the wall I3 extends upwards in substantially a vertical plane and terminates adjacent the mid portion of the wall I I. The upper edge of the wall I3 is straight and defines the lower portion of the fringe receiving slot I6. Because of the shape of the walls I I, I2 and I3 of the wall structure I0 the front or receiving ends of the channels I4 and I5 extend substantially vertically in opposite directions from the slot I6 and the remaining portions of the channels are curved progressively outwards from front to back. The rear or discharge extremities of the two channels are open as hereinbefore described and are in vertically spaced and substantially parallel relation. When the fringe F is drawn through the wall structure I0 as a result of the action of the stitching machine M or a mechanical puller (not shown) behind the stitching machine the upper and lower lips f and f1 are opened up for rug receiving purposes as they pass through the front ends of their respective channels. As the two lips pass through the remaining portions of the channels they are automatically swung together into straddled relation with the adjacent margin of the rug R. As the fringe leaves the rear end of the wall structure I0, that is, emanates from the discharge ends of the two channels, the upper lip f is brought into overlying relation with the adjacent margin of the rug R and the lower lip f1 is brought into underlying relation with such margin. During travel of the fringe through the wall structure I0 the fringe threads f2 project outwards from the outer side of the wall structure and travel or ride through the slot I6.

The elongated hollow wall structure I0 is mounted in Xed or rigid relation with the rug supporting platform P by way of a fiat plate 25. This plate extends horizontally and projects outwards from the outer side of the wall structure I0. It rests on the upper surface of the platform P and has its inner edge soldered, welded or otherwise xedly secured to the central portion of the rear end of the wall I3. A screw 26 extends through a slot 2l into the supporting platform P and serves as an attaching medium for attaching the plate to the platform. The slot 21 is formed in the central portion of the plate 25, extends at right angles to the Wall structure III and serves to permit lateral adjustment of the wall structure for positioning purposes. In addition to the attachng plate 25 the wall structure I0 is provided with a laterally extending plate 28. This plate projects outwards from the inner side of the wall structure I0 and is soldered, welded, or otherwise fixedly secured to the U-shaped connecting piece 24 which extends between, and serves to connect, the central and rear parts of the lower margin of the wall I3 and the outer margin of the triangular lower piece I9. As shown in Figure 1, the plate 28 overlies the supporting platform P and serves to s-upport and guide the margin ofthe rug R that is adjacent the wall structure as such margin is fed or moved through the pocket 20.

The fringe F is guided to the front or receiving ends of the channels I4 and I5 by way of a cylindrical or shaft-like guide. member 29. This member extends horizontally and is located in front of, and substantially aligned with, the fringe thread receiving slot I6. It projects in the direction of the outer side of the wall structure I0 and has the inner end thereof xedly secured to the front extremity of the extension I1 at the front end of the wall II. The other or outer end of the member 29 is supported by an arcuate diagonal arm 30 which is connected to the rear end of the extension I1, as best shown in Figure 2. It is contemplated that the fringe will be supplied by way of a, roll beneath the rug supporting platform P. The free end of the fringe will extend upwards from the roll and then pass at right angles around the guide member 29 (see Figure l). The guide member, as hereinbefore described, is located in substantial alignment with the slot I6 and hence serves to guide the fringe towards the vfront or receiving ends of the channels I4 and I5. As soon as the upper and lower lips of the fringe reach the front ends of the channels they will be spread apart as shown in Figure 3. During continued movement through the wall structure the lips will be folded or brought together into straddle'd relation with the adjacent margins of the rug.

In order to urge the upper and lower lips f and f1 of the fringe F outwards in the direction of the outer portions of the front ends of the channels as they travel through said front ends of the channels an upper roller 3I and a lower roller 32 are provided. These two rollers, as hereinafter described, prevent wedging or jamming of the upper and lower lips during passage thereof through the front or receiving ends of the channels and cause the lips to feed properly through the remainder of the channels. The upper roller 3I is located adjacent the front end of the wall I2 and extends upwards and forwards at substantially a 60 angle with respect to the horizontal. It is carried by a frame 33 so that it is movable to and from the front end of the channel I4. As shown in Figure 9, the front end of the wall I2 has a rectangular cutout 34 through which the inner portion of the periphery of the roller 3I extends. The frame 33 is provided at the front end thereof with a pivotal connection so that it is free to swing horizontally. As shown in Figure 3, the pivotal connection comprises a sleeve-like member 35, a pair of ears 36 at the ends of the member 35 and a screw type pivot pin 31. The member 35 is soldered, welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the outer portion of the front end of the wa11 I2 and extends vertically. The ears 38 are formed integrally with, and project forwards from, the front end of the frame 33 and are arranged vin straddled relation with the member 35. The screw type Divot pin 31 extends through the sleeve-like member 35 and also through aligned apertures or holes in the ears 36. The central portion of the frame 33 is provided with a rectangular cutout 38. The roller 3| is disposed in this cutout 38 and is provided at its ends with trunnions 38 which are journaled in bearing forming holes in the portions of the frame 33 that define the ends of the cutout 3|?. The trunnlons permit the roller 3| to rotate about its axis. The cutout 34 in the front end of the wall I2 is the same in size as, and is in registry with, the cutout 38 in the frame 33. Preferably the outer periphery or surface of the roller is completely covered by radially or outwardly extending teeth. A compression spring 40 is applied to the outer or distal end of the frame 33 and serves to urge the frame inwards and cause the roller 3| rmly to engage the portion of the upper fringe lip f that is in the front end of the channel I4. This compression spring is mounted on a screw post as shown in Figures 2 and 3. One end of the screw post extends through a hdle in the distal end f the frame 33 and is anchored to the adjacent portion of the wall I2. The outer end of the screw post is provided with a thumb nut 4|a and carries the compression spring 40. By turning the nut 4|a the compression of the spring may be adjusted or varied. When the upper fringe lip f travels through the front or receiving end of the channel I4 it engages the roller 3| and causes the latter to rotate. Because of its angularity the roller, during rotation thereof, feeds the adjacent portion of the fringe lip f outwards in the direction of the outer portion of the channel I4. By employing the roller 3| the upper fringe lip f is caused, during passage thereof through the front end of the channel I4, to move outwards. The roller, as previously pointed out, prevents jamming or wedging of the adjacent portion ofthe upper lip f and causes such portion to feed properly through the remaining portion of the upper channel I4. Because of the manner in which the roller 3| is mounted and the fact that the roller is urged inwards by the compression spring 4U the roller firmly engages the adjacent portion of the upper fringe lip f and will accommodate fringe lips of varying thickness. The lower roller 32 underlies the upper roller 3| and is inclined downwards and forwards at an angle of approximately 60 with respect to the horizontal. It is located outwards of the front end of the wall I3 of the wall structure I8 and is carried by a pivoted frame 42. The front end of the wall I3 is provided with a rectangular cutout 43 which accommodates the inner peripheral portion of the roller 32 and permits such portion to traverse the front end of the channel I5 and engage the adjacent portion of the fringe lip f2 as it travels therethrough. The frame 42 is pivotaliy supported in the same manner as the frame 33 so that the lower roller 32 is movable toward and away from the front or receiving end of the channel I5. A compression spring' 44 serves to urge the frame 42 and the lower roller 32 inwards. This compression spring is mounted on a horizontal screw post 45 having a thumb nut 45a at its outer end. The inner end of the post extends through a hole in the distal end of the frame 42 and is anchored to the adjacent portion of the The latter extends substantially horizontally radially extending teeth on its periphery and is f mounted in the frame 42 in the same manner that the upper roller 3| is mounted in its carrying frame 33. When the lower fringe lip f1 passes through the front end of the channel I5 it is engaged by the roller 32 and causes the latter to rotate. Because of the angularity of the roller rotation thereof results in the adjacent portion of the lower fringe lip f1 being urged downwards towards the outer portion of the channel I5. The two rollers 3| and 32 coact in such manner that the portions of the fringe lips that travel through the front ends of the channels I4 and I5 are urged or spread outwards. By urging such portions of the lips outwards they travel smoothly in the front ends of the channels and do not become wedged or jammed. Furthermore, they are placed under such tension that they feed or travel readily into the remaining portions of the channels. With a view of preventing the fringe threads f2 from becoming caught in the rollers 3| and 32 an upper deector plate 46 and a lower deiiector plate 41 are provided. The plate 43 is connected to, and projects outwards from, the front portion of the lower margin of the wall I2 and has the front end thereof bent upwards so that it is positioned in front of the roller carrying frame 33. The lower deflector plate 41 is connected to, and projects outwards from, the front portion of the upper margin o1' the wall I3 and has its front end bent downwards so that it is disposed in front of the roller carrying frame 42. The bent portions of the two deector plates are curved so as to form a forwardly flared mouth for guiding the fringe threads f'-' into the front end of the slot I8. The two plates 48 and 41 are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the width of the slot and in effect form part of the front end of the slot. The rear portion of the plate 46 underlies the roller 3| and the rear portion of the plate 41 overlies the roller 32. When the fringe threads f2 in connection with travel of the fringe through the wall structure I0, approach the front end of the slot I6 they are guided or deected by the plates 48 and 41 so that they enter the slot I6 while at the same time they are held out of contact or engagement with either of the rollers 3| and 32.

For the purpose of partially spreading the lips of the fringe directly prior to entry of the fringe into the front end of the wall structure I0 and also combing or raking the fringe thread so that it enters the front end of the slot I8 properly a rod 48 is provided. This rod is'located between the guide member 29 and the front end of the wall structure I0 and extends substantially horizontally. The front end of the rod extends through, and is rotatably mounted in, a hole 49 in an outwardly extending lug 50 on the upper front portion of the extension I1. A set screw 5I extends through the outer end of the lug and serves to hold the front end of the rod 48 in the hole 49. The hole 49 is inclined at a slight angle with respect to the horizontal so that the rod as a whole extends or is inclined downwards in the direction of the front end of the wall structure I0. The rear end of the rod is bent at a slight angle with respect to the front end and is provided at its extremity with a head 52. The bent rear end of the rod is adapted to engage the outer edges of the lips of the fringe directly prior to passage of the fringe into the wall structure and exerts such pressure on the outer edges of the lips that the lips are urged against the extension II. Preferably the rear end of the rod is positioned in close proximity to the extension I1 with the result that it tends partially to spread apart the lips and thus facilitates their passage into the front or receiving ends of the channels I4 and I5. By loosening said screw 5I and turning or rotating the rod the rear end of the rod may be swung to or from the extension I1 into its proper or most effective position. The rear end of the rod serves to rake or comb the fringe threads away from the upper lip and the head 52 at the extremity of the rear end 0f the rod tends to lift the threads so as to facilitate entry thereof into the front end of the slot I6. The rod 48 is longitudinally as well as rotatably adjustable with respect to the lug 56.

In addition to the aforementioned parts or elements the device comprises an upper roller 53 and a lower roller '54. These two rollers are located at the rear end of the wall structure I and serve, as hereinafter described, to urge the portions of the fringe lips that are in the discharge end of the channels I4 and I5 towards the adjacent margin of the rug and cause the lips to move into firm straddled relation with the adjacent edge of said rug marginl as they pass from or leave the wall structure. The roller 53 extends substantially horizontally and is inclined at an angle of approximately 30 with respect to the path of travel of the rug R. As shown in Figure 2, the roller 53 overlies the rear part of the upper margin of the wall I2 and. is so inclined that the end thereof that is adjacent the outer side of the wall structure is nearer the discharge end of the channel I4 than the other end of the roller. Said rear part of the upper margin of the wall I2 is provided with an angularly disposed rectangular cutout 55 into which the lower portion of the upper roller 53 extends. The roller 53 is of such length that it substantially completely traverses the upper channel I4 and is carried by a frame 56 so that it is movable to and from the rear end of the triangular piece I8. The frame 56 overlies the rear of the upper part or margin of the wall I2 and has a pivotal connection at its rear end. Such connection comprises a sleeve-like member 51, a pair of ears 58 and a screw type pivot pin 59. The sleevelike member 51 extends transversely across and is fixcdly secured to the subjacent portion of the wall I2 and has the ends thereof straddled or lapped by the ears 58. The latter are formed integrally with, and project rearwardly from, the rear end of the frame 56. The screw type pivot pin 59 extends through the sleeve-like member 51 and also through coaxial or registering holes in the ears. The frame 56 and the upper roller 53 are urged downwards in the direction of the upper channel I4 for the upper fringe lip f by way of a compression spring 60. This spring is applied to the front or distal end of the frame and is mounted on an upstanding screw post 6l. The lower end of this screw post extends through a hole in the front end of the frame 56 and is anchored to the subjacent portion of the wall I2. The upper end of the post is provided with a thumb nut B2. The spring 60 is interposed between the nut and the subl'acent portion of the frame. By adjusting the nut 62 the compression of the spring 60 may be varied. The spring 60 causes the upper roller 53 firmly to engage the adjacent portion of the upper lip f of the fringe. The roller 53 is provided on the periphery thereof with a spiral series of radially extending teeth. The spiral is a right hand spiral. Because of the angularity of the roller '53 and the fact that the teeth are spiraled in a right hand manner the roller 53 operates automatically during travel of the upper fringe lip therepast to urge or feed the lip towards the rug R. As the result of the action of the upper roller 53 the upper lip is properly applied to the adjacent margin of the rug as it leaves the discharge end of the channel I4. The roller 53 is disposed in a rectangular cutout 63 in the central portion of the frame 56 and has trunnions 64 at its ends. These trunnions extend through bearing forming holes in the portions of the frame that define the ends of the cutout 63 and support the roller 53 so that it is freely rotatable about its axis. The roller 54 works on the lower lip f1 of the fringe in the same manner as the upper roller 53 works on the upper lip. It is located directly beneath, and in parallel relation with, the upper roller 53 and has the upper portion thereof in a rectangular cutout 65 in the rear` part of the lower margin of the wall I3. A horizontally extending frame 66 serves to support the lower roller 54 so that it is movable upwards and downwards with respect to the discharge end of the channel I5. This frame is the same in design as the frame 56 for the upper roller 53 and is pivotally connected at its rear end similarly to said frame 56. A compression spring 61 is applied to the front or distal end of the frame 66 and serves to urge the frame and the roller 54 upwards towards the channel I5. The spring 61 is mounted on a vertically extending screw post 68 having at the lower end thereof a thumb nut 69. The upper end of the screw post 68 extends through a hole in the front end of the frame 66 and is anchored to the adjacent portion of the wall I3. The spring 61 is mounted on the screw post 66 and is arranged so that one end thereof abuts against the frame 66 and its other end abuts against the thumb nut 69. By turning the thumb nut the compression of the spring 61 may be Varied. The lower roller 54, due to its angularity, serves to urge the adjacent portion of the lower fringe lip f1 towards the rug and causes the lower lip to be applied properly to the under face of the adjacent margin of the rug as it emerges from the discharge end of the channel I5. A spiral series of radially extending teeth are formed on the periphery of the roller 54. These teeth are arranged so that the spiral thereof is left handed with the result that they augment the urging or feeding action which is attributable to the angular arrangement of the lower roller 54. Such roller and its carrying frame 66 are located in a recess 10 1n the subjacent portion of the supporting platform P (see Figure 3). The upper and lower rollers 53 and v54 coact in such manner that the upper and lower fringe lips are urged outwards towards the rug as they pass through the discharge ends of the two channels. They further Coact to cause the fringe lips to be applied firmly to, and in uniformly straddled relation with, the adjacent margin of the rug as they leave or emanate from the discharge ends of the two channels. Because the two rollers are mounted to swing upwards 0r downwards they will accommodate fringe lips that vary in thickness. By urging the two rollers 53 and 54 by way of compression springs they are brought into firm engagement with the adjacent portions of the fringe lips and hence effectively and efficiently fulfill their intended purpose.

In order to assist the upper roller 53 in properly applying the upper lip f of the fringe to the upper f surface of the adjacent margin of the rug R an auxiliary roller 1I is provided. This auxiliary roller is located between the rear end of the wall structure I and the needles ml of the stitching machine M and is carried by a spring arm 12. The latter extends longitudinally of the wall structure and has the front end thereof bent downwards and mounted rotatably in a socket 13 in a lug 14 on the central part of the upper margin of the wall l2. A set screw 'l5 extends through the lug and serves to hold the arm l2 against lateral displacement. When the set screw is loosened the arm may he adjusted laterally as desired. The rear end of the arm 72 is bent downwards and embodies an inverted U-shaped bracket 16. The side arms of the bracket lap the ends of the auxiliary roller 1I and have aligned or coaxial holes 11 at their lower ends. The auxiliary roller is provided at its ends with outwardly extending centrally disposed trunnions 18 and these extend through and are journalled in the holes 1l and permit the auxiliary roller to revolve or rotate about its axis. The central portion of the cross member of the bracket is provided with a sleeve 19 in which the bent rear end of the arm 12 fits. A set screw 80 extends transversely through the sleeve 'I9 and serves to hold the bracket in connected relation with' the rear end of the arm. When the set screw 80 is loosened the bracket and auxiliary roller may be adjusted about a vertical axis into different angular positions with respect to the line of travel of the rug R. If desired, the auxiliary roller may be provided on the periphery thereof with radially extending teeth in order firmly to grip the upper lip of the fringe. If there is any tendency for the upper lip of the fringe to work outwards from the adjacent margin of the rug after it leaves the rear end of the wall structure I0 the auxiliary roller 1l is positioned at an angle corresponding to the angular position in which the upper roller 53 is disposed. By arranging the auxiliary roller in this manner the roller will urge the upper fringe lip inwards with respect to the adjacent margin of the rug and prevent the upper lip from working around the adjacent edge of the rug prior to being subjected to the action of the stitching needles m1.

When it is desired to use the device the fringe is trained around the guide member 29 and is then threaded through the wall structure I0 until ther end projects beyond the rear end of the structure. Before threading the fringe into and through the wall structure it is inserted between the bent lower end of the rod 48 and the adjacent portion of the extension l1. In inserting the fringe into the wall structure the upper lip is positioned in the front end of the channel I4 and the lower lip is positioned in the front end of the lower channel I5. After initially threading of the fringe the fringe threads at the edge of the fringe are grasped and then shifted along the slot I6 so as to draw the fringe through the wall structure. As soon as the fringe is threaded through the structure the free end, that is, the end that projects rearwards from the wall structure, is mounted around the adjacent margin of the rug and then applied to the needles m1 of the stitching machine. When the stitching machine is operated the rug R is fed towards the machine. As the rug is fed the fringe is drawn through the wall structure and the device operates, as hereinbefore described, to apply the fringe so that the upper end lower lips are in firm and uniform straddled relation with the adjacent margin of the rug. As the fringe travels through the wall structure the lips are first spread apart and are then turned or folded inwards into straddled relation with the adjacent margin of the rug. The upper and lower rollers 53 and 54 operate as hereinbefore described to urge the fringe lips outwards or apart as they travel through the front or receiving ends of the channels. As the lips of the fringe pass the upper and lower rollers II and 54 they are urged in the direction of the adjacent margin of the rug and hence are properly applied to the rug when they leave the rear end of the wall structure.

The herein described fringe applying device is efficient in operation and effectively fullls its intended purpose. It is comparatively simple so far as the design is concerned and may be manufactured at a low and reasonable cost. Because of the manner in which the rollers are mounted the device is capable of applying fringe. the lips of which vary in thickness. The device as a whole is automatic in that it serves to apply the fringe in response to travel of the latter through the wall structure.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified Within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with .a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another at approximately an angle of so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having inwards of its front end and in its said other side a pair of opposed spaced apart cut-outs communicating with the front ends of the channels, respectively, and a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, and traverse the front ends of the channels and so angularly arranged lthat they operate forceably to urge the lips outwards in opposite directions as they travel through said front ends of the channels.

2. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having inwards of its front end and in its said other side a pair of opposed spaced apart cutouts communicating with the front ends of the channels, respectively, a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, traverse the front ends of the channels and are bodily movable inwards and outwards relatively to said front ends of the channels, and so angularly arranged that they operate to urge the lips outwards in opposite directions as they travel therepast, and spring means for urging the rollers inwards into engagement with said lips.

3. A device designed for use f in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and coinprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another at approximately an angle of 180 so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having inwards of its front end and in its said other side a pair of opposed spaced apart cutouts communicating with the front end of the channels, respectively, a pair of freely rotatable rollers arranged so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, traverse the front ends of the channels and serve to urge the lips outwards in opposite directions as they travel through said front end of the channels, and carried by pivoted frames on the front ends of the wall structure so that they are bodily movable inwards and outwards relatively to said front ends of the channels, and springs applied to the frames and arranged to urge the frames and rollers inwards.

4. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having inwards of its front end and in its said other side a pair of opposed spaced apart cutouts communicating with the front end of the channels, respectively, a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, traverse the front ends of the channels, and so angularly arranged that they operate forceably to urge the lips outwards towards the cuter portions of said front ends of the channels as they travel through said front ends of the channels, and separately formed means in front of the front end of the wall structure for but partially spreading apart the lips of the fringe before they enter the front ends of the channels.

5. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall Structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends substantially coplanar and extending in opposite directions from the slot so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from fro-nt to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, a plate-like member connected to, and projecting forwards from, the front end of the wall structure and arranged so that it is substantially aligned with the portion of the wall structure that defines the side portions of the front ends of the channels that are opposite the front end of the slot, a guide element connected to the front end of the member so that it is in substantial alignment with the front end of the slot and extends transversely of said front end of the wall structure, and adapted to have the fringe pass over it in a flat condition preparatory to travel thereof through the wall structure, and an angular rod carried by the member behind the guide element and arranged and designed so that it coacts with the member partially to spread the lips of the fringe directlyv before they enter the front ends of the channels and also to comb the fringe threads and guide them towards the front or receiving end of the slot.

6. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one anotheradiacent -the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side ofthe structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having inwards of its front end and in its said other side a pair of opposed spaced apart cutouts communicating with the front end of the channels, respectively, 'a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, and traverse the front ends .of the channels and so angularly arranged that they serve to urge the lips outwards in opposite directions as they travel through said front ends of the channels, and a pair of spaced apart deectors mounted on the front end of the wall structure between the rollers and arranged to guide the fringe threads of the fringe into the front end of the slot and prevent such threads from contacting the rollers.

7. A device designed for use in applying a double lip vfringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wail structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along i one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, `respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having directly forwards of its rear end and in its outer portions a pair of opposed cutouts communicating with the rear ends of the channels, respectively, and a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, and traverse the rear ends of the channels and so angularly arranged that they operate forceably to urge the lips towards said one margin of the rug directly before they emerge from the rear end of the wall structure,

8. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement oi the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrallydisposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof Vcurved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having directly forwards of its rear end and in its outer portions a pair of opposed cutouts communicating with the rear ends of the channels, respectively, a pair of freely rotatable rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the cutouts, respectively traverse the front ends of the channels, and are bodily movable inwards and outwards relatively to said rear ends of the channels, and so angularly arranged that they operate to urge the lips towards the one margin of the rug directly before they emerge from the rear end of the wall structure, and spring means for urging the rollers inwards.

9. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips ofthe fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and having their front ends extending away from one another so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having directly forwards of its rear end and in its outer portions a pair of opposed cutouts communicating with the rear ends of the channels, respectively, a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers arranged so that they project through the cutouts, respectively, traverse the rear ends of the channels, and serve to urge the lips towards said one margin of the rug directly before they emerge from the rear end of the wall structure, and carried by pivoted frames on the rear end 'of the wall structure so that they are bodily movable inwards and outwards relatively to said rear ends of the channels, and springs applied to the frames and adapted to urge the frames and rollers inwards.

10. A device designed for use in applying a double lip fringe to one margin of a rug and comprising an elongated hollow wall structure adapted to have said one margin of the rug move along one side thereof and the fringe to travel longitudinally through it conjointly with movement of the rug, provided at its other side with a substantially centrally disposed longitudinal open ended unobstructed slot for accommodating and guiding the fringe threads of the fringe, and shaped to form a pair of longitudinal, side by side open ended channels adapted to receive and guide the lips of the fringe, respectively, communicating with one another adjacent the slot and 17 having their front ends extending away from one another at approximately an angle of 180 so as to spread the lips as they enter the front end of the wall structure and the remaining portions thereof curved progressively towards one another from front to back and in the direction of said one side of the structure so as to cause the lips during travel therethrough to be folded around said one margin of the rug, said wall structure having directly inwards of its front end and in its said other side a pair of opposed spaced apart cutouts communicating with the front ends of the channels, respectively, and in addition having directly forwards of its rear end and in its outer portions a pair of opposed cutouts communicating with the rear ends of the channels, respectively, a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that they project through the rst mentioned cutouts, respectively` and traverse the front ends of the channels, and so angularly arranged as to urge the lips of the fringe outwards in opposite directions as they travel through said front ends of the channels, and a pair of freely rotatable coacting rollers mounted on the wall structure so that 18 they project through the second mentioned cutouts, respectively, and traverse the rear ends of the channels, and so angularly arranged as to urge the lips towards said one margin of the rug directly before they emerge from the rear end of the wall structure.

JOHN E. GRONENBERG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 51,547 Brown Dec. 19, 1865 52,870 McCurdy Feb. 2'7, 1866 121,356 Goldsmith Nov. 28, 1871 166,161 Trowbridge July 27, 1875 1,040,825 Weis et al Oct. 8, 1912 1,145,604 Moffatt July 6, 1915 1,564,868 Lindsay Dec. 8, 1925 1,946,241 Sailer Feb. 6, 1934 2,043,943 Ackerman June 9, 1936 2,116,987 Thompson May 10, 1938 

